On February 9, 2002, a Piper PA-20 (registration N2254A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fremont, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Damage to the right tire, which resulted in a sudden loss of tire pressure and a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During closed traffic, a pilot compensating for a light right crosswind experienced a rightward pull after touchdown. The airplane exited the runway and ground looped, damaging the left wing and elevator. A cut was found on the right tire.
Incident Overview
The pilot was conducting closed traffic operations. While compensating for a light right crosswind, he executed a normal approach. The airplane touched down and then began to pull hard to the right. The airplane exited the runway and ground looped to the right, with the left wing and elevator impacting the ground.
Tire Examination
Following the incident, examination of the right tire revealed a cut consistent with impacting a sharp object. The runway was searched for the object, but nothing was found. Prior to the flight, the pilot inspected the tires and noted no anomalies. However, he did not inspect all of the right tire because the airplane was equipped with wheel fairings.
Damage
The ground loop resulted in the left wing and elevator impacting the ground, causing damage to those components.